NUTLEY, NJ - Innovation and ideation are parts of the On3 campus at the north end of town, they are also woven into the fabric of the local business and philanthropic communities. Case in point: Bucco Couture's online auction for masks raised over $850 for Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB).

Carmen Bucco, owner of Bucco Couture in the center of the townships business district, kept his tailors working but converting his business to a mask-making operation. Instead of runway ready custom suits, the team started producing washable custom masks featuring sports teams, traditional patterns, and solid colors.

With requirements to wear masks to do ordinary activities like grocery shop, Bucco knew that most locals could not afford to keep purchasing those disposable light blue masks. Having a talented team of tailors, and sources for fabric, they went to work. Long-time customs and members of the community who know Bucco from his philanthropic work have been calling or dropping in on a fairly regular basis to get masks.

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"The response from the community has been tremendous," said Bucco. "Nutley always comes through, the government still hasn't come through with their promises of help for small business, but the community did."

Somewhere along this journey, three masks featuring a patriotic theme were cut so perfectly that the phrase "These Colors Don't Run" appeared perfectly across the front of three masks. For the most part, fabric is cut to get as many masks as possible out of each bolt of fabric, these masks were the result of a very fortunate fluke.

Bucco set up an online auction on a social media platform for the three special masks. Over the course of the three-day auction several customers placed bids. The masks, that normally sell for about $15 received bids of $275, $276, and $300. The three top bidders Janet Cardullo, Bop Jack, and Al Bucci each won a mask.

On Thursday, Bucco hosted top bidder Al Bucci, who along with Eileen Painter, Executive Director of Nutley Family Service Bureau, and TAPinto Nutley Publisher John Lee for a Facebook live event to announce the winners. Bucci presented Painter with a $300 check to support NFSB.

During the live segment, Painter explained that NFSB is first and foremost a mental health organization, providing support and counseling services for people experiencing challenges. The services include everything from couples therapy, family counseling. Adhering to social distancing protocols, NFSB is relying heavily on tele-counseling. NFSB also runs a successful food pantry operation.

Bucco told TAPinto Nutley that he currently has over 300 masks in stock right now. His shop, Bucco Couture, is located at 218 Franklin Ave. Nutley NJ, it is near the clock tower, across from Luna Wood Fire Grill. Orders can be placed via phone as well: (973) 667-3940

Read more about the ways Nutley Businesses are Giving Back and Innovating during these challenging times in our Business and Finance section.

Since 2016, TAPintoNutley.net has been the only locally owned news organization serving the Township of Nutley, and is a member of the New Jersey Press Association. The Nutley Board of Commissioners first named TAPintoNutley.net the township's 'Official Electronic News Source' in 2019.

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